Get three things on paper: the contractor's Rhode Island registration number, proof of insurance and an estimate that spells out every item. If a contractor will not write those down, move on.
The Providence Fence Company is licensed and insured. Ask us for the documents with your estimate.
What should I ask a fence contractor before hiring?
- Does my address need a permit or historic district approval, and who handles it?
- Who gives the Dig Safe notice?
- How deep do the posts go, and what are they set in?
- Which wood species or vinyl grade, and what size posts?
- Does the price include taking away the old fence?
- How many gates, what width and what hardware?
- What is the start date and how many days of work?
- What is the plan if you hit a boulder, ledge or a big root?
How do I check that a contractor is registered and insured?
Rhode Island registers contractors through the Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board, and the board has an online search. Ask for the registration number and look it up. For insurance, have the contractor's insurer send the certificate straight to you.
What should a fence estimate include?
Length in feet, height, material and grade, post size and depth, each gate with its size, removal of the old fence, any permit, cleanup, the payment schedule and a start date. When two estimates differ, one of those lines is usually missing from the lower one. The board's rules also call for a written contract on residential work over $1,000.
Should I get three quotes?
For a whole fence, yes. Three quotes show the going rate and show who took real measurements. Read the scope on each one, not just the bottom line.
What deposit is normal?
It varies by company, and it should be written in the contract. The board's published rules require a written contract for residential work over $1,000 but, as far as we could find, do not set one maximum deposit. Pay by check or card, get a receipt and be wary of anyone who wants a large sum in cash.
The cheapest quote wants half up front and will not show insurance. Is that a problem?
Yes, it is. A low number, a big deposit and no insurance certificate are three warning signs at once. Without insurance, damage or an injury on your property may become your cost. A contractor who documents registration, coverage and scope is worth the higher price.
I paid a deposit and the contractor stopped showing up. What can I do?
Write a dated letter or email asking for a firm date. If that fails, you can file a claim with the Rhode Island Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board. Its rules generally require a claim within one year, and a hearing officer may order a deposit returned when no work was done. Save the contract, proof of payment and all messages.
The crew cut my internet line or sprinkler pipe. Who pays?
It turns on whether the line was marked and what the contract says. Dig Safe member utilities mark the lines they own. Sprinkler pipe, landscape lighting and other lines an owner put in are not marked. Point those out before the job and have them written on the estimate.
My HOA approved the fence in writing and now wants it moved. What now?
Hold on to the written approval. This is a disagreement with the association, not a building problem, so a lawyer who handles association matters should look at it.
Can I install a fence myself?
You can, for a short straight run in easy soil. Digging 40 inches through stony ground is the hard part, and long runs, slopes and gates are where home-built fences fail. You must still notify Dig Safe before you dig.
For a real price on your own yard, book a free on-site estimate. Call (401) 356-3395 or text us a photo of the fence line.